Winter Break Camp Program Support Counsellor

Winter Break Camp Program Support Counsellor

Job Category: CAMP

Requisition Number: SUMME001096

Location: YMCA Day Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne and Niagara Falls

Pay: $17.75 per hour

Employment Type: Seasonal Contract – up to 24 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training.

Placement Date: December 14, with hours of paid pre-camp training

Why Work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, advocacy, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

Nature & Scope

Program Support Counsellors are responsible for working with a variety of campers with special needs, physical or behavioural challenges, or medical considerations in YMCA Day Camps. Program Support Counsellors provide the necessary support to their camper for them to be successfully integrated into the camp program. Program Support Counsellors work alongside their peers to provide a safe and high-quality camp experience.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure YMCA Day Camp is an inclusive camp experience and to implement strategies to achieve this goal.
• Plan and deliver programs for Day Camp participants following YMCA objectives.
• Support campers in the Helping Hands program with behavioural, physical, or developmental challenges.
• Assist with program implementation and adaptation of activities to meet the needs of all campers in the group.
• Read, understand and apply information from camper profile.
• Make quick decisions to ensure maximum participant integration and safety.
• A Program Support Counsellor may work one to one with a camper or support a group of campers.
• Understand and commit to confidentiality.
• Greet parents/guardians each morning when they drop off children and in the evening at pick up.
• Support and work as part of a staff/volunteer team by remaining flexible (willing to learn new skills, adapt approaches).
• Responsible for the safety and security of staff and participants.
• Respond to first aid and emergency situations as required, check for the potential health and safety hazards at all times when on duty, and complete incident reports when necessary.
• Embrace diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
• Follow Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) guidelines (when certified).
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children and/or youth with specific needs and behavioural challenges.
• Values driven individuals who make excellent role models for children and youth.
• Experience working in camp is an asset.
• Energy, enthusiasm and flexibility.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Training is an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C.
• Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.
• The ability to participate in physical activity and work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel to various camp locations and valid driver's license is required.
• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policy as established by the YMCA of Niagara.

Competencies:

Child and Youth Focused: Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

Diversity: Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring a richness to the YMCA.

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values: Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.

Concern for Health and Safety: Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

Teamwork: Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for max. organizational effectiveness.

Creativity and Innovation: Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.

Day Camp Overview

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:45am-5:15pm. Most camp staff are scheduled to work between 7.5 and 8.5 hours per day.

Successful applicants must attend all pre-camp meetings and training including training on YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.

Application Process

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on November 7, 2025.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into their UKG portal and navigating to Myself > My Company > View Opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.